The year 2011 has already been declared the Year of the Tablet, and Google’s Android platform is expected to make even bigger waves as it steps up to go head-to-head against Apple’s iPad, the device that put tablets into the mainstream consciousness. As an open source project, Android has the advantage of a large community backing its development and the support of mobile device manufacturers (from some of the biggest names in the business to entry-level players). Many Android-based tablets have already been released to the market, and many more are expected to hit this year. Additionally, Google is continuing development on the newest version of the Android platform, which will provide more support for tablet devices. Android 3.0, otherwise known as Honeycomb, will be optimized for tablet support and have a new user interface for tablet devices. Here’s a look at 10 Android devices – some already on the market and some that have slipped.
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Google/Motorola Tablet
Google unveiled a prototype for a new Android tablet at CES. The tablet is still lacking a name, and few details were provided by Google and Motorola at the conference. When released, it will have a 3D Nvidia card processor, and according to those at the CES presentation, the Google/Motorola tablet is more advanced than anything currently available. Release Date: Unknown (maybe 2011) Android OS Version: 3.0
Notion Ink Adam
We don’t really want to call the Notion Ink Adam vaporware, but the release date continues to slip. It was originally going to launch in mid-2010. The Adam will have Pixel Qi’s low-power dual-mode display and a dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2 processor built in. The tablet did make an appearance at CES, where it received generally favorable reviews from gadget junkies. Release Date: Q1 2011 Android OS Version: 2.2 (modified using some 2.3 capabilities)
Motorola Mobility Xoom
In addition to the tablet unnamed tablet Motorola demoed with Google, Motorola also provided details on its upcoming Xoom tablet at CES. Expected to reach into the enterprise tablet market, the Xoom will include dual-core processors and will support 3G and Wi-Fi, with expected upgrades to 4G LTE mid-year. Release Date: Q1 2011 Android OS Version: 3.0
MSI WindPad
Originally announced in spring 2010, MSI’s WindPad 100 tablets showed up as late-model prototypes at CES. Feedback from attendees who got some hands-on time with the WindPad suggested the tablet was a bit dated, with an older Intel Atom processor and an 8-10 hour battery life. Details were sketchy, though, and there still could be some changes before WindPad hits the street. Release Date: Q1 2011 Android OS Version: Unknown
Archos 101
Archos has released several Android tablets since September 2009. The Archos 101, which is the latest in Archos’ eighth generation tablets, is billed as an Internet tablet that is suitable for surfing, video and for use as a workstation. Release Date: November 2010 Android OS Version: 2.2
Dell Streak 7
Dell released its first Streak tablet in June 2010, and it announced a new version at CES. The Streak 7 is equipped with a dual-core Nvidia Tegra T2 processor and will support 4G data network connections. Aimed at a mix of consumers, students and mobile professionals, Streak 7 has a seven-inch screen, and rumors suggest Dell is working on a 10-inch version. Release Date: Q1 2011 Android OS Version: 2.2
Lenovo LePad
Unveiled at CES, the Lenovo LePad is a tablet that can be combined with the IdeaPad U1 dock for notebook capabilities. Currently running Android 2.2 (it will be upgraded to 3.0 by the time of release), the LePad also runs Windows 7, giving users the ability to quickly switch between the different operating systems. Release Date: Summer 2011 Android OS Version: 3.0
ViewSonic G Tablet
Although it has received much developer support, gadget geeks have been hard on ViewSonic’s G Tablet for its poor viewing angles and interface. User interface criticisms may no longer be an issue because ViewSonic provided an update in late December that enabled users to utilize the standard Android interface. With a dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2 processor and a 10-inch screen size, the G Tablet was designed as a consumer multimedia tablet. Release Date: November 2010
Samsung Galaxy Tab
As one of the more formidable iPad alternatives, the Samsung Galaxy Tab sold 600,000 units in the first week after its launch, and it continues to sell well. Built on an ARM Cortex A8 processor, the Galaxy Tab has a seven-inch display and is positioned as a multimedia tablet (it can even be connected to a TV). It supports both 3G and Wi-Fi wireless. Samsung announced at CES a 4G LTE version is forthcoming. Release Date: November 2010 Android OS Version: 2.2
Toshiba Tablet
Another unnamed tablet was demoed at CES, but this time by Toshiba. The demo version was running Android 2.2, but it’ll be upgraded to 3.0 when it’s released. The tablet features a dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2 processor and a 10.1-inch display. Gadget geeks at CES called this tablet a significant improvement over Toshiba’s Folio 100, which never did get a U.S. release. Release Date: 2011? Android OS Version: 3.0
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